The Belfry launches ‘Chef Academy’ to grow next generation of culinary leaders
The Belfy Hotel & Resort has launched a fully funded development programme, giving ambitious chefs the opportunity to advance their technical, leadership and commercial skills.
‘The Chef Academy’ will be led by Robert Bates, the newly appointed culinary director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.
It is geared towards addressing training challenges faced by the hospitality industry, which has the highest skills density deficit of any part of the UK economy at 6.2 per cent, estimated to be costing hospitality businesses £55m a year in inefficient training.
Bates, drawing on years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, has designed The Chef Academy to close that gap from the ground up, with live positions open at every level of the kitchen rather than a single entry point.
Delivered in partnership with HIT Training, the programme combines on-the-job experience, in-person and online workshops, and self-directed study, with paid hours ring-fenced every week specifically for skills development.
Matt Robsinson, chief commercial officer, at HIT Training, said: “Tackling the chef shortage takes more than filling vacancies.
“It means investing in people and giving them a clear route to develop, from their first role in a kitchen through to leading a team. That’s the commitment The Belfry is making with The Chef Academy.
“Robert has brought a clear vision for developing his chefs, and we’ve worked closely together to turn that ambition into a practical training programme.
“Combining The Belfry’s kitchen experience with HIT’s specialist chef trainers, hands-on masterclasses and ongoing support, the Academy will help people develop their craft, grow in confidence and build lasting careers in hospitality.”
The academy will feature sustainability-focused sessions such as Future Food: Cooking for the Climate, and business-skills training through Kitchen Intelligence: Branding & Budgeting.
The launch comes alongside a wider restructure of The Belfry’s kitchen leadership.
Bates moves into the newly created culinary director role from executive chef, taking charge of culinary strategy, food innovation, commercial performance and long-term talent development.
Dean Cole, who joined The Belfry in 2011, becomes executive head chef, leading all kitchen departments and focusing on consistency, efficiency and menu development across the resort.
The Belfry is also separately recruiting for a new resort head chef, who will oversee the day-to-day running of its kitchens, team development and service delivery.
Robert Bates said: "I joined The Belfry as Executive Chef in 2013 with a clear ambition: to build kitchens that develop talent and deliver exceptional food with pride and consistency.
“The Chef Academy is that ambition come to fruition. This programme is about passing on knowledge, championing seasonal, classical cooking with modern techniques, and building a culture where chefs feel valued, challenged and proud of what they do every day.
"My promise to anyone applying is simple: bring commitment and curiosity, and we'll meet you with guidance and support every step of the way."
Applications for The Chef Academy are now open online, or email people.team@thebelfry.com.
Pictured from left to right: Dean Cole and Robert Bates
